Microsoft Avoids EU Antitrust Fine by Agreeing to Unbundle Teams from Office Software

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is one of the stocks to invest in before they split next. On September 12, the European Commission announced that it accepted Microsoft’s proposed commitments to resolve a long-running antitrust investigation into its Teams messaging and videoconferencing app. The investigation was initiated after a complaint from Slack Technologies and one from German company Alfaview, which accused Microsoft of possibly abusive practices by tying Teams to its Office software suites.

To address these concerns, Microsoft proposed making its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 software packages available at a reduced price without Teams. The company also committed to allowing customers with long-term licenses to switch to these unbundled versions and promised to make it easier for rival software to work with Teams.

These legally binding commitments will remain in force for 7 years, with the interoperability and data portability requirements lasting for 10 years, allowing the company to avoid a potentially massive fine. The decision was made after a market test of the initial proposals conducted in May and June 2025.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions worldwide.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.